British realist, figurative and portrait painter Lucian Freud, who was one of the greatest artists of our time, passed away at the age of 88 on July 20th.

above: photo of Lucian Freud by David Montgomeryabove: a young Lucian Freud in his studio (photographer unknown)

The grandson of the 'Father of Pyschoanalysis,' Sigmund Freud, Lucian was well-known and critically acclaimed for his prolific work. Many of his paintings have broken art auction records and he was greatly respected by both fellow artists, instructors, critics and the art-savvy public.

above: Lucian Freud's Reflection (a self-portrait) with two childrenabove photo of Lucian Freud working at night by David Dawson, 2oo5

There have been many wonderful articles, documentaries, blog posts and more written on artist Lucian Freud (occasionally spelled Lucien). For that reason, I won't go into depth about his career but will share some links to interesting articles and several images of some of his paintings (please note that his drawings and etchings are equally superb and compelling). There are additional links at the end of this article so you can peruse his vast and impressive repertoire.

Portrait of Harry Diamond:
Portrait of David Hockney:
photo of Hockney and Lucian Freud in Freud's atelier:
Portrait of Francis Bacon:
Father and Daughter:
Interior (after Watteau):
Interior in Paddington:
Portrait of the Queen:
Bella and Esther:

He captured himself, friends, family, fellow artists and a few famous folks (Jerry Hall, Kate Moss and more) in portraits he referred to as "naked' rather than nude. Often immortalized as sleeping or reclining, his thick brush strokes and energetic style were unmistakable. In his own words he "turned paint into flesh" and in the following selection of portraits, that is clearly visible.

Benefits Supervisor Sleeping:
Naked portrait with reflection:
two different portraits of Leigh Bowery:
photo of Leigh Bowery's sitting for Freud:
An homage to Cezanne:
Eight Months Gone, a portrait of a pregnant Jerry Hall:
his portrait of model Kate Moss:
Lucian Freud with muse (one of several) Kate Moss:
The Painter Surprised by a Naked Admirer:

Lucian Freud was also a dog lover - he owned two beloved whippets named Pluto and Eli- and many of his portraits coupled himself and friends with dogs, like those shown below:

Brilliant artist, but his art always gives me this blow of ugly reality similar to what I had experienced when I finally stopped denying my bad eyesight and got contact lenses. Gosh did I miss the merciful fog that enveloped the ugly world around me! The world without contact lenses would my definition of his art.